Last Updated: May 19, 2026 | Written by PailHQ Team
> Need a hurricane prep kit fast?
> PailHQ's Hurricane Ready Kit ($59) and Family Hurricane Kit ($95) include everything below. See the kits →
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 in Florida, with peak storm activity from mid-August to mid-October. Most South Florida households figure out their preparedness rhythm after living through a couple of seasons — but if you're new to the coast, or want to upgrade your setup, here's the working checklist.
The core principle: 5-7 days, then it's gone
Florida hurricane guidance from the USCG, FEMA, and the State of Florida is 3-7 days of food and water per person. That's because most disruptions from a Category 1-3 hurricane resolve within a week — power comes back, roads clear, grocery stores reopen.
That's not what preppers store for (which is 1-12 months). It's also not "barely 24 hours" (which is what most households actually have if you check their pantry). It's a realistic, sized-right buffer.
If you're in a major direct-hit scenario (Hurricane Andrew, Ian, Michael), 7-14 days is more appropriate. But for the typical season, 5-7 is the working target.
What to store in 5-gallon buckets
The bucket is for long-shelf-life dry goods that survive sealed for years and feed you when power is out. Best candidates:
- White rice — 33-36 lbs per bucket; 25-year shelf life sealed
- Dried beans — 35-40 lbs per bucket; 25-year shelf life
- Rolled oats — 18-22 lbs per bucket; 25-year shelf life
- Sugar — 35-38 lbs per bucket; indefinite shelf life
- Salt — 35-38 lbs per bucket; indefinite shelf life
- Powdered milk — 28-32 lbs per bucket; 25-year shelf life sealed
For a family of 4 prepping a 5-7 day window:
- 1 bucket of rice OR beans (not both — you won't get through 36 lbs in a week)
- Optional: 1 bucket of oats for breakfast variety
That's 1-2 buckets total. Our Hurricane Ready Kit (1 bucket) or Family Hurricane Kit (2 buckets) is sized exactly for this.
What NOT to store in buckets
- Canned goods (no need — they store fine on shelves)
- Comfort foods (peanut butter, dried fruit, granola bars — pantry storage is fine)
- Bottled water (use 5-gallon water containers, not food buckets)
- Anything you'll eat in 30 days (just use regular pantry storage)
Beyond the buckets: the full hurricane kit
Food:
- 1-2 buckets of dry staples (sealed mylar + O2)
- Canned goods for 7 days (proteins, vegetables, fruits, soups)
- Comfort foods (peanut butter, granola bars, dried fruit, chocolate)
- Cooking oil
- Spices and salt
Water:
- 1 gallon per person per day, minimum, for 7 days
- Family of 4 = 28 gallons stored
- Use food-grade containers
- Rotate annually
- Bathtub bladder (Aquapod) for last-minute water storage
Energy:
- Propane stove and full canisters
- Manual can opener (most people forget)
- Flashlights, headlamps, lanterns
- Extra batteries (AA, AAA, 9V)
- Power bank for phones
- Generator if you can afford it
Light & communication:
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Phone chargers (12V car chargers especially)
- Local emergency contact list (printed)
Safety & comfort:
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications (2-week supply)
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Trash bags
- Bleach (for cleaning and water purification)
- Cash (ATMs may not work)
- Hard copies of important documents in waterproof container
Pets:
- 5-7 days of pet food
- Water for pets
- Carrier and leash
- Medications
Timeline: when to do what
Pre-season (April-May):
- Verify or replace hurricane supplies
- Buy buckets and seal food
- Refresh water supply
- Service generator
- Get propane refilled
Early season (June-July):
- Maintain readiness
- Replace any consumables used
Peak season prep (August-October):
- Track named storms
- 72 hours out: top off gas, refresh water, get cash
- 48 hours out: secure outdoor items, fill water bathtub bladder
- 24 hours out: shutter windows, finalize evacuation decision
Post-storm:
- Inspect for damage
- Don't drink tap water until officially cleared
- Use stored buckets for cooking water
- Eat canned and dry goods first
The "I'm doing this for the first time" version
Don't try to do everything at once. Three-month build:
Month 1:
- Buy 1 Hurricane Ready Kit (1 bucket + accessories) — $59
- Fill with rice or beans
- Buy 7 gallons of water in jugs
- Buy a manual can opener
Month 2:
- Add canned goods (2-3 cases of mixed proteins, vegetables, soups)
- Add comfort foods
- Add first aid kit
- Add flashlights and batteries
Month 3:
- Add propane stove and 2 canisters
- Add battery-powered radio
- Add phone power bank
- Print emergency contact and document list
Total cost ~$250-400 over three months. You're now ready for hurricane season.
Ready to start?
PailHQ stocks Hurricane Ready Kits ($59, 1 bucket) and Family Hurricane Kits ($95, 2 buckets) year-round with local pickup in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Fort Myers, and West Palm Beach.
See the kits → | Call 954-594-2108 | sales@pailhq.com
FAQ
Q: Do I really need a separate bucket if I have canned goods?
A: For 5-7 days, canned goods alone work. The bucket adds long-shelf-life staples (rice, beans, oats) that complement canned items and provide bulk calories.
Q: Can I reuse hurricane bucket food after the season?
A: If the bucket stays sealed, yes — for years. Many households unseal at the end of the season and use the contents during winter, then refill before next season.
Q: What about water in food-grade buckets?
A: Yes, food-grade 5-gallon buckets work for water storage. Sanitize with diluted bleach first, fill, seal, rotate every 6 months.
Q: Do I need a generator?
A: Not strictly. They're useful if you have medical equipment, can't lose your fridge contents, or have a pet that needs climate control. Many families do fine without one.
Q: Best places to store hurricane supplies?
A: Cool, dry, dark, off the floor. Interior closets, pantries, or hurricane-rated rooms. Avoid garages (heat) and attics (extreme heat).
Q: Where can I get a Hurricane Ready Kit locally in South Florida?
A: PailHQ offers local pickup in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Fort Myers, and West Palm Beach. See pickup locations →
Related guides: Food Grade vs Regular Buckets | Long-Term Food Storage in 5-Gallon Buckets | 5-Gallon Bucket Lid Types Compared